Commentary: Enukeme, End Of An Era And Beginning Of Another

Written By: JOE NWEGWU

June 9, 2020, was a black Tuesday. It was the day a great Iroko and consummate industrialist, Dr Anthony Obiagboso Enukeme OON, fell to the cold hands of death. Sir Anthony Obiagboso Enukeme, Ezeani Akuvom, Onowu Neni, was a business man par excellence.

After his tutelage in various trades – restaurant assistant, pump attendant, and motor spare parts dealer, he founded Tonimas Nigeria Limited in 970, in conjunction with a business partner, late Chief Emma Ezeakor. The business has blossomed to become one of the biggest conglomerates in Nigeria, with interests in manufacturing, importation of petroleum products and hospitality industry.

Born on January 21, 1944 to the late Chief and late Mrs. Enukeme Anyabolu, Onowu Sir Anthony Obiagboso Enukeme started his education at the Saint John’s Catholic School, Neni, now Ezeani Obidigbo Primary School, Neni, in 1952 until 1962, when he completed his standard six. Due to paucity of fund he could not continue his education. He then went into business but later continued his education, and obtained his West African School Certificate in 1985.

Due to his quest for higher education, he went to Abia State University where he got a Bachelors Degree in Government and Public Administration and a Masters Degree in International Relations.

Onowu Neni, as Managing Director of Tonimas Nigeria Limited, catapulted the company to greater heights. First of all, it became a big brand name, spreading its tentacles to all parts of Nigeria. It went into importation of petroleum products, manufacturing and hospitality industry. Today, it has ventured into manufacturing of such products as plastics, aluminum roofing sheets and nails. Tonimas has also established the White Castle Hotel, Neni, one of the best in Anambra. Onowu Neni was a one-time Acting President-General, Neni Town Union (NTU); Former President and founder, Traditional Prime Ministers Association of Nigeria; member, Knight of Saint John International and worthy Grand President, Knight of Saint John International, Aba Commandery. He was a papal Knight of Saint Gregory the Great.

Onowu Neni was a philanthropist par excellence. He offered scholarships to many indigent students and built many homes for the homeless and the downtrodden. He singlehandedly built and donated a Police Station with barrack to the Anambra State Police Command. He also donated two L-300 buses to the Police in addition to various communication gadgets.

Onowu Neni also secured a large parcel of land, fenced and handed it over to Neni Town Union to be used as cemetery. He made donations for the building and equipping of the gigantic Neni Civic Centre.

In Aba, Abia State, Onowu built and donated a church at Umuarakpa, Aba and handed it over to the Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese.

Onowu Sir Anthony Enukeme was happily married to Former Miss Mary Uzoaku Onwuka, now Iyom Mary Enukeme (Mmi-riaku) and they are blessed with six children – Azubike, Ifeoma, Chike, Nkiru, Chinyere and Nkene. All of them are married with children. Onowu Neni gave his children the necessary home training and the standard of education they required. They are all graduates in various disciplines.

Onowu Neni was elected by his people to become the third Traditional Prime Minister) of the town, a position he held till death. He received scores of honours and awards from far and near from both the private and public sectors. He was the President Lubricant Producers Association of Nigeria LUPAN. Onowu Neni received an Honorary Doctorate Degree on Business Administration from the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, COOU. Onowu Dr Anthony Obiagboso Enukeme, Onowu Neni was a one-time President, Aba Chamber of Commerce, industries, Mines and Agriculture.

The remains of the founder and President, Anambra State Council of Traditional Prime-Ministers (Ndionowu) Anambra State, Dr. Anthony Obiagboso Enukeme, OON, Onowu Neni will be laid to rest on Friday, August 14, 2020, after a funeral mass at Saint James’ Catholic Parish Neni by 10am.

The late Dr. Anthony Enukeme was a nice man to a fault. He will be greatly missed by the Traditional Prime ministers in the state, but God knows the best. Adieu Onowu Neni, Rest in Peace Enyi Abia, Goodnight a Consummate Industrialist.